Randy Dorn, Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction announced that Jeff Wehr, an already highly awarded science teacher in Odessa, WA, is one of five finalists selected over the summer by a statewide selection committee comprised of content area experts and award-winning teachers.

“These five teachers are creating the perfect blend of highly challenging math and science and expert teaching,” said Dorn. “Teachers should be content experts, and Scott, Angela, Trevor, Lois and Jeffrey are definitely that. But they have something more than just expertise. They have a heart for kids and a real joy in seeing kids become high-level scientists and mathematicians. They are mentoring kids to become the next chemists, biologists, and computer scientists who will solve important problems and move our state forward in the future.”

Jeff and his fellow state PAEMST finalists are honored by their professional organizations and invited to the annual Governor’s Reception for Exceptional Educators which happens every summer. They will be invited to several annual state events for award winning educators.

The PAEMST is the highest recognition for a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher in the United States.

Winners of the PAEMST will receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a weeklong series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, gifts from program sponsors, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and a chance to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.

Jeff Wehr has been involved with STEM Research and Education since 1996. He has taught junior high, high school, online, and college courses in both rural and urban districts, and currently teaches Integrated Science, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Advanced STEM Research at Odessa High School.

Jeff was named the U.S. Department of Education’s American Star of Teaching in 2008, the 2011 Regional Washington State Teacher of the Year, the 2012 National Siemens Founders Award for Student STEM Research, the 2012 National Junior Science & Humanities STEM Recognition Award, and in 2014 was elected membership into the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society. His motto is “The goal is not so much teach science and engineering, but create scientists and engineers.”

Good luck to Jeff Wehr in Washington and NWPE member Jason George in Idaho!